A MUSEUM dedicated to singer Daniel O'Donnell in Co. Donegal has closed down after seven years, to the disappointment of fans and locals alike.
The Daniel O'Donnell Museum & Visitor Centre – which opened in Dungloe back in 2012 – shut its doors for the final time on Monday following the sale of the site.
After news emerged of the shock closure, Daniel himself thanked the thousands of fans who visited the attraction over the years to enjoy memorabilia including his boyhood schoolbag, gold/platinum albums and wedding outfits from his marriage to wife Majella.
Taking to Facebook, the much-loved crooner wrote: "I'm very grateful that they gave so many people the opportunity to see all of the memorabilia we have gathered over the years.
"Thanks to all of you who visited, I hope you enjoyed the experience."
The Donegal native also thanked owners Pat and Anne Gallagher for all their help since the attraction opened to a blaze of publicity seven years ago.
In a statement, the Gallaghers explained that the Stepping Stone Bar & Bistro – which their venue is connected to – had been sold with vacant possession, and the museum therefore had to close.
"We wish to put on record our appreciation to all the visitors, coach companies and social groups who supported the venture since 2012," they said.
"We are indebted to the many television production companies who recorded and gave publicity to the Centre.
"A very special thanks goes to Daniel and Majella for allowing us the opportunity to showcase their special moments. We truly appreciate the time and effort they both gave to the Visitor Centre."
Mr Gallagher said the attraction – which has an "excellent" TripAdvisor rating of 4.5 – opened annually from May to October and attracted more than 51,000 visitors since 2012.
He added that he and his wife have already received a couple of inquiries from other tourism enterprises interested in the possibility of housing their unique collection.
